Sense circuit

ABSTRACT

A sense circuit has input and output terminals coupled through resistances to two fixed potentials. The input potential is amplified and inverted to control the gate of a field-effect transistor coupled between the input and output terminals. Alternatively, a sense circuit has first and second input terminals, and first and second output terminals. The first input terminal is connected to the gate of a depletion-mode field-effect transistor coupled between the second input and output terminals. The second input terminal is connected to the gate of a depletion-mode field-effect transistor coupled between the first input and output terminals. The depletion-mode field-effect transistors may be replaced by negative-resistance circuits. These sense circuits can obtain large voltage outputs from small current inputs.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to an improved sense circuit capable of sensing a small input current signal and producing a large voltage output swing, to a novel negative-resistance circuit, load circuit, level shifter, and amplifier that can be used in the sense circuit, and to a Schmitt trigger employing the negative-resistance circuit.

The well-known advantage of using current signals with small voltage swings in integrated circuits is that these signals can be transmitted quickly over long interconnecting lines. In a read-only memory (ROM), static random-access memory (SRAM), or dynamic random-access memory (DRAM), for example, current signals can be used for rapid transfer of data over data lines. Sense circuits must then convert the data signals from current to voltage form in order to drive transistors, and to enable the memory device to output the data in a standard voltage-signal mode.

A conventional sense circuit of this type comprises the following elements coupled in series between a power-supply terminal and ground: a first resistance, an input terminal, a transistor, an output terminal, and a second resistance. The transistor is controlled by an amplifier that receives input from the output terminal, creating a positive feedback loop. Positive feedback enables a small change in current at the input terminal to produce a large voltage change at the output terminal.

FIG. 1 shows part of a DRAM using this conventional sense circuit. The symbols V_(CC) and GND indicate the power-supply potential and ground, respectively.

The switching circuit 1 is one of a large number of similar switching circuits coupled to a data line DL, which feeds the input terminal IN of a sense circuit 2. The output terminal OUT of the sense circuit 2 is coupled to a next-stage differential voltage amplifier (not shown in the drawing).

The switching circuit 1 comprises n-channel metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors (hereinafter, N-MOSFETs) 1a and 1b coupled in series between data line DL and ground. The gate of N-MOSFET 1a is coupled to a column select line CL; the gate of N-MOSFET 1b is coupled to a bit line BL.

The sense circuit 2 has been divided for explanatory purposes into three blocks: a data-line load circuit 3, a current-to-voltage converter 4, and an inverting amplifier 5. In the load circuit 3, a p-channel metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor (hereinafter, P-MOSFET) 3a with its gate coupled to ground provides a load resistance between V_(CC) and the input terminal IN. In the current-to-voltage converter 4, a P-MOSFET 4a and N-MOSFET 4b are coupled in series between the input terminal IN and ground. The drain of P-MOSFET 4a, the drain and gate of N-MOSFET 4b, and the output terminal OUT are coupled at a node N₁. The N-MOSFET 4b provides a current-sensing resistance between node N₁ and ground. The gate of P-MOSFET 4a is coupled to a node N₂.

The inverting amplifier 5 has an input node A_(in) coupled to node N₁ and an output node A_(out) coupled to node N₂, and comprises a P-MOSFET 5a and N-MOSFET 5b coupled in series between V_(CC) and ground. The gate and drain of P-MOSFET 5a are coupled to the output node A_(out). The drain of N-MOSFET 5b is coupled to the output node A_(out), and its gate is coupled to the input node A_(in).

During normal operation, the data line DL is biased to a potential near V_(CC), the potential being controlled by the current flow through the load P-MOSFET 3a. A certain bias current I flows from V_(CC) through the load circuit 3 to the current-to-voltage converter 4. Little or no current flows between the load circuit 3 and data line DL.

If read access results in activation of CL and BL, turning on transistors 1a and 1b in the switching circuit 1, then some of this bias current I is diverted from the current-to-voltage converter 4 to the data line DL. The resulting reduction -ΔI in current flow through the current-to-voltage converter 4 reduces the potential at node N₁, so the potential at the input terminal A_(in) of the inverting amplifier 5 falls. The potential at the output terminal A_(out) (node N₂) therefore rises, reducing the conductance of P-MOSFET 4a. Current flow through the current-to-voltage converter 4 is thereby reduced still further, setting up positive feedback that quickly produces a large voltage swing at the output terminal OUT.

The reduction in current flow through the current-to-voltage converter 4 is partly balanced by the increased current flow on the data line DL, so the change in the current flowing through the load circuit 3 is small. The change in potential at the input terminal IN is therefore slight; the voltage swing on the data line DL is kept small. Ideally, the current increase ΔI on the data line DL equals the current decrease -ΔI in the current-to-voltage converter 4, as shown in FIG. 1, in which case a large output voltage swing is obtained with no voltage swing on the data line LD.

The conventional sense circuit 2, however, is not ideal. It has problems from the standpoints of both design and operation, as discussed next.

One problem arises from the similarity between the left side of the circuit, comprising the load 3 and current-to-voltage voltage converter 4 and denoted as circuit A in FIG. 1, and the right side, comprising the inverting amplifier 5 and denoted as circuit B.

Circuit B has A_(in) is its input and A_(out) as its output. The input-output characteristic of circuit B is such that the potential at A_(out) falls when the potential at A_(in) rises, and the potential at A_(out) rises when the potential at A_(in) falls.

Circuit A can be viewed as having node N₂ as its input and node N₁ as its output. Circuit A then has a similar input-output characteristic: the potential at node N₁ falls when the potential at node N₂ rises, and rises when the potential at node N₂ falls.

Circuit A and circuit B are cross-coupled: the input node of each is coupled to the output node of the other. They therefore operate at a point where their input-output characteristics intersect, but due to the similarity of their characteristics, the point of intersection may not be uniquely defined. This can cause the sense circuit 2 to oscillate between two operating points.

The cross-coupled configuration in FIG. 1 is furthermore similar to the configuration of a latch comprising two inverters coupled in a loop. The sense circuit 2 has a corresponding tendency to latch up, remaining in the high or low output state regardless of changes in current at the input terminal IN.

Another problem is that a large output voltage swing at the output terminal OUT entails a large swing at the input node A_(in) of the inverting amplifier 5, hence at its output node A_(out), increasing the gain of the positive-feedback loop. The output voltage swing accordingly cannot be designed independently of the loop gain; the one depends on the other.

A further problem with the conventional sense circuit 2 becomes evident when it is used in a DRAM having a page mode, in which a word line remains active while memory cells in different columns on that word line are accessed. During such page access, at first the voltage swings on the bit lines are small, and only slight changes occurs in the current flowing on the data line DL. As access to the same word line continues, however, the voltage swings on the bit lines increase, with corresponding larger changes in current flow on the data line DL. If the load P-MOSFET 3a is designed for reliable sensing of small current changes on data line DL, then when the current changes become larger, P-MOSFET 3a may begin to saturate, allowing unwanted large potential changes on data line DL. That is, the sense circuit 2 has inadequate dynamic range for page-mode operation in a DRAM.

The dynamic range can be widened by using an N-MOSFET with interconnected gate and drain as the load transistor. If this type of load is employed, however, it becomes impossible to bias the data line DL close to V_(CC). This leads to problems regarding operating speed and operating margin, particularly at low supply voltages.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One object of the present invention is accordingly to provide a sense circuit suitable for operation at low supply voltages.

Another object is to provide a sense circuit with stable operation.

Yet another object is to provide a sense circuit with a wide dynamic range.

Still another object is to provide a sense circuit with high gain.

Yet another object is to provide a sense circuit with a simple configuration.

Still another object is to provide a sense circuit that can be easily fabricated.

Yet another object is to provide a sense circuit with independently designable loop gain and output swing.

Still another object is to provide a memory circuit incorporating a sense circuit that achieves the above objects.

Other objects are to provide a data-line load circuit, level shifter, amplifier circuit, and negative-resistance circuit that are useful for configuring a sense circuit to achieve the above objects, as well as for other purposes.

An additional object is to provide a Schmitt trigger with low power dissipation.

According to a first aspect of the invention, a first fixed potential (e.g. V_(CC)) is supplied through a load circuit to an input terminal, thereby producing an input potential at the input terminal responsive to current flow through the load circuit. This input potential controls the gate of a field-effect transistor coupled between the input terminal and an output terminal. For example, an inverting amplifier is coupled between the input terminal and the gate of the transistor. The output terminal is coupled through a resistance circuit to a second fixed potential (e.g. ground).

According to a second aspect of the invention, there are two input terminals, each with a load circuit as described above, and two output terminals, each with a resistance circuit as described above. A first depletion-mode field-effect transistor is coupled between the first input terminal and first output terminal, its gate coupled to the second input terminal. A second depletion-mode field-effect transistor is coupled between the second input terminal and second output terminal, its gate coupled to the first input terminal.

According to a third aspect of the invention, instead of depletion-mode field-effect transistors, a first negative-resistance circuit is coupled between the first input and output terminals, and a second negative-resistance circuit between the second input and output terminals. Each negative-resistance circuit has a control terminal that controls its conductance. The control terminal of the first negative-resistance circuit is coupled to the second input terminal. The control terminal of the second negative-resistance circuit is coupled to the first input terminal.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention, the first and second input terminals mentioned in the second and third aspects are coupled to data lines in a memory circuit.

According to a fifth aspect of the invention, the negative-resistance circuits mentioned in the second and third aspects comprise a first field-effect transistor of a first channel type coupled between a pair of input/output terminals, and second and third field-effect transistors of a second channel type coupled between two fixed potentials. The gate of the first field-effect transistor is coupled to a node between the second and third field-effect transistors. The gate of the second field-effect transistor is coupled to the control terminal. The gate of the third field-effect transistor is coupled to one of the input/output terminals.

According to a sixth aspect of the invention, a Schmitt trigger comprises the negative-resistance circuit of the fifth aspect and a fourth field-effect transistor, of the second channel type, coupled in series between two fixed potentials. The control terminal of the negative-resistance circuit and the gate of the fourth field-effect transistor are both coupled to an input terminal. Output is obtained from a node between the negative-resistance circuit and the fourth field-effect transistor.

According to a seventh aspect of the invention, a load circuit comprises a field-effect transistor with its source coupled to receive a fixed potential, its drain coupled to an input terminal, and its gate coupled through a level shifter to the same input terminal.

According to an eighth aspect of the invention, a level shifter comprises a depletion-mode field-effect transistor of a first channel type with its source coupled to a fixed potential and its gate to an input terminal; and an enhance-mode field-effect transistor of a second channel type with its source coupled to an output terminal, its gate coupled to the input terminal, and its drain coupled to the fixed potential. A current mirror controls current flow through the enhancement-mode field-effect transistor responsive to current flow through the depletion-mode field-effect transistor.

According to a ninth aspect of the invention, an inverting amplifier comprises an input node, an output node, a negative-resistance circuit that provides a variable negative resistance between the output node and a first fixed potential, responsive to the potential of the input node, and a resistance circuit coupled between the output node and a second fixed potential.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a conventional sense circuit.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a first novel sense circuit.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a second novel sense circuit.

FIG. 4 illustrates input-output characteristics of circuit A and circuit B in FIGS. 2 and 3.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a third novel sense circuit.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a fourth novel sense circuit.

FIG. 7 illustrates the load curve of the load circuit in FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of a fifth novel sense circuit.

FIG. 9 illustrates volt-ampere characteristics of various transistors in FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a sixth novel sense circuit.

FIG. 11 illustrates volt-ampere characteristics of the negative-resistance circuit and resistance circuit in the amplifier of FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is a redrawing of the amplifier circuit in FIG. 10.

FIG. 13 illustrates input-output characteristics of circuit A and circuit B in FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram of a seventh novel sense circuit.

FIG. 15 illustrates a modification of the amplifier circuit in FIG. 8.

FIG. 16 illustrates a modification of the amplifier circuit in 15, identical to the amplifier circuit in FIG. 14.

FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram of an eighth novel sense circuit.

FIG. 18 illustrates input-output characteristics of the first and second circuit sections in FIG. 17.

FIG. 19 is a partial schematic diagram of a memory circuit incorporating a ninth novel sense circuit.

FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram of a tenth novel sense circuit.

FIG. 21 is a schematic diagram of an eleventh novel sense circuit.

FIG. 22 is a schematic diagram of a twelfth novel sense circuit.

FIG. 23 is a schematic diagram of a resistance circuit.

FIG. 24 is a schematic diagram of a novel negative-resistance circuit.

FIG. 25 is another schematic diagram of the novel negative-resistance circuit, illustrating currents and potentials.

FIG. 26 illustrates volt-ampere characteristics of transistors in FIGS. 24 and 25.

FIG. 27 illustrates a volt-ampere characteristic of the negative-resistance circuit in FIGS. 24 and 25.

FIG. 28 illustrates further volt-ampere characteristics of the negative-resistance circuit in FIGS. 24 and 25.

FIG. 29 illustrates a modification of the negative-resistance circuit in FIG. 24.

FIG. 30 illustrates another modification of the negative-resistance circuit in FIG. 24.

FIG. 31 is a schematic diagram of a Schmitt trigger incorporating the negative-resistance circuit of FIG. 24.

FIG. 32 illustrates volt-ampere characteristics of the Schmitt trigger in FIG. 31.

FIG. 33 illustrates a hysteresis characteristic of the Schmitt trigger in FIG. 31.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the attached illustrative drawings. These drawings do not restrict the scope of the invention, which should be determined solely from the appended claims.

In the discussions of circuit characteristics, it will be assumed unless otherwise stated that N-MOSFETs are formed in a grounded substrate, and P-MOSFETs in a substrate biased at V_(CC), as is customary in complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) circuits. All transistors will be enhancement-mode MOSFETs unless otherwise noted.

V_(TNN) will denote the threshold gate-source voltage of an N-MOSFET with arbitrary source potential; V_(TN) will denote the threshold gate-source voltage when the source is grounded. Assuming a grounded substrate, if the source potential is higher than ground, then V_(TNN) >V_(TN).

Similarly, V_(TPP) will denote the (negative) threshold gate-source voltage of a P-MOSFET with arbitrary source potential, and V_(TP) the threshold gate-source voltage when the source is coupled to V_(CC). Assuming a substrate biased at V_(CC), if the source potential is less than V_(CC), then |V_(TPP) |>|V_(TP) |.

In CMOS circuits V_(TN) and |V_(TP) | are usually substantially equal. This also will be assumed.

1st embodiment

FIG. 2 shows a sense circuit illustrating a first embodiment of the invention.

The input terminal IN of this sense circuit is coupled to a node N₁₁. A resistive load circuit 10 is coupled between node N₁₁ and V_(CC). A current-to-voltage converter 12 is coupled between node N₁₁ and ground. The current-to-voltage converter 12 comprises a P-MOSFET 14 and a resistance circuit 16 coupled in series. The source of P-MOSFET 14 is coupled to node N₁₁, its gate is coupled to a node N₁₂, and its drain is coupled to one end of the resistance circuit 16 and to the output terminal OUT of the sense circuit. The other end of the resistance circuit 16 is coupled to ground.

Nodes N₁₁ and N₁₂ are coupled to the input node A_(in) and output node A_(out), respectively, of an inverting amplifier 18. The inverting amplifier 18 comprises a depletion-mode P-MOSFET 20 coupled in series with a resistance circuit 22. The source of the depletion-mode P-MOSFET 20 is coupled to V_(CC), its gate is coupled to the input node A_(in), and its drain is coupled to one end of the resistance circuit 22 and to the output node A_(out). The other end of the resistance circuit 22 is coupled to ground.

Next the operation of this sense circuit will be described.

Depending on other external circuits (not shown) to which the sense circuit is connected, under normal conditions a small (possibly zero) bias current I₁ will flow in or out at the input terminal IN. In the drawing, the input terminal IN is considered to be a current source with respect to external circuits, I₁ flowing outward. If the flow is actually inward, then I₁ is negative.

The sense circuit and its connected circuits are preferably designed so that under normal conditions, input terminal IN is biased at a potential close to V_(CC). This can be done, for example, by providing P-MOSFET 14 and resistance circuit 16 with sufficiently high resistance values.

A second bias current I₂ flows from the data-line load circuit 10 to the current-to-voltage converter 12. P-MOSFET 14 is designed to saturate under normal operating conditions, making I₂ dependent on the gate-source voltage rather than the drain-source voltage of P-MOSFET 14. The potential of the input terminal IN depends on the total current flow (I₁ +I₂) through the load circuit 10.

Suppose now that a current signal is received at input terminal IN, causing the current I₁ to increase by ΔI₁. The increased current produces a greater voltage drop across the load circuit 10, so the potential of input terminal IN (and of node N₁₁) decreases slightly. This decrease is inverted and amplified by the inverting amplifier 18, raising the level of node N₁₂. Since the source potential of P-MOSFET 14 has fallen and its gate potential has risen, its gate-source voltage is reduced in absolute value.

The reduced gate-source voltage produces a corresponding reduction in the conductance of P-MOSFET 14. The current I₂ flowing through the current-to-voltage converter 12 decreases by an amount ΔI₂. The result is a potential change of -ΔI₂ ·R at output terminal OUT, where R is the resistance value of the resistance circuit 16. A desired output voltage swing can be obtained by suitable selection of R.

The sense circuit can be designed so that ΔI₁ and ΔI₂ are substantially equal, in which case the net change in current flow through the load circuit 10 is approximately zero. The potential of input terminal IN then remains substantially fixed. An output signal with a large voltage swing can accordingly be obtained from an input current signal while causing only a slight voltage swing at the input terminal IN.

This sense circuit is well suited for use at a low supply voltage V_(CC). One reason is that the depletion-mode P-MOSFET 20 conducts even when its gate potential is V_(CC). This enables the input terminal IN to be biased at a level arbitrarily close to V_(CC) without forcing the inverting amplifier 18 into cut-off. A potential close to V_(CC) can therefore be applied to the current-to-voltage converter 12, providing adequate operating speed and margin even if V_(CC) is low.

Because the input node A_(in) of the inverting amplifier 18 is coupled to the input terminal IN instead of the output terminal OUT, the invented sense circuit also excels in stability of operation. In particular, it has no positive feedback loops, hence no tendency to latch up. Feedback exists between nodes N₁₁ and N₁₂, but this feedback loop is negative; it tends to steady the potentials of these nodes. Further details will be shown in FIG. 4.

The circuit parameters are also easy to design. To adjust the output voltage swing, it suffices to adjust the resistance value of the resistance circuit 16. To adjust the loop gain between nodes N₁₁ and N₁₂, it suffices to adjust the gain of the inverting amplifier 18, or adjust the saturation of P-MOSFET 14 by altering the bias potential of its gate. A particular advantage is that the loop gain and output voltage swing can be adjusted independently.

2nd embodiment

This embodiment, shown in FIG. 3, is a more specific implementation of the first embodiment. The load circuit 10 now comprises a P-MOSFET 24 with grounded gate. The resistance circuit in the current-to-voltage converter 12 comprises an N-MOSFET 26 with interconnected gate and drain. The resistance circuit in the inverting amplifier 18 comprises an N-MOSFET 28 with interconnected gate and drain. Otherwise, the configuration is the same as in FIG. 2, and the same reference numerals are employed.

An advantage of the circuit configuration of FIG. 3 is that use of the N-MOSFET 28 with interconnected gate and drain as the resistance element in the inverting amplifier 18 restricts the voltage swing at the amplifier output node A_(out). This reduces the loop gain, but provides a wider dynamic range, enabling greater potential fluctuations to be tolerated at the input terminal IN while keeping P-MOSFET 14 in saturation.

Since the second embodiment is an instance of the first embodiment, it inherits the advantages noted in the first embodiment: suitability for use at low supply voltages, independent adjustability of the output voltage swing and loop gain, and stability of operation. Stability will now be described in more detail.

In FIGS. 2 and 3, the sense circuit can be divided into a circuit A, consisting of the load circuit 10 and current-to-voltage converter 12, and a circuit B, consisting of the inverting amplifier 18. Circuit A can be regarded as having node N₁₁ as its input and node N₁₂ as its output, while circuit B has A_(in) as its input and A_(out) as its output. Circuits A and B are mutually cross-coupled; the input of each is coupled to the output of the other.

FIG. 4 is a diagram of the input-output voltage characteristics of circuits A and B. The horizontal axis indicates the potential of node N₁₂ (A_(out)), which is the input node of circuit A and the output node of circuit B. The vertical axis indicates the potential of node N₁₁ (A_(in)), which is the output node of circuit A and the input node of circuit B. Curve C_(A) is the input-output characteristic of circuit A; curve C_(B) is the input-output characteristic of circuit B.

Circuit A operates as a source-follower: as its input potential at node N₁₂ rises, its output potential at node N₁₁ also rises. Circuit B is an inverting amplifier: as its input potential at node A_(in) rises, its output potential at node A_(out) V falls. Accordingly, characteristic curves C_(A) and C_(B) are oriented in substantially perpendicular directions and intersect at a single operating point P. Since only a single operating point P exists, an extremely stable circuit is obtained, with no tendency to oscillate.

3rd embodiment

This embodiment, shown in FIG. 5, is another implementation of the first embodiment, and is identical to the second embodiment except for the configuration of the inverting amplifier 30. Elements common to FIGS. 2 and 3 have the same reference numerals.

The inverting amplifier 30 in FIG. 5 differs from the inverting amplifier 18 in FIG. 3 in that the gate of N-MOSFET 28 is coupled to input node A_(in), instead of to the drain of N-MOSFET 28. Otherwise, the circuit configuration is the same as FIG. 3.

By coupling the gate of N-MOSFET 28 to the amplifier input node A_(in), this embodiment increases the gain of the inverting amplifier 30. The loop gain of the sense circuit is therefore improved, although its dynamic range is somewhat narrowed. This embodiment is basically similar in operation to the first and second embodiments, and provides similar advantages, so further details will be omitted.

4th embodiment

This embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 6. Elements common to FIGS. 2, 3, and 5 have the same reference numerals.

This sense circuit comprises a novel load circuit 32, and the same current-to-voltage converter 12 and inverting amplifier 18 (now indicated by a single symbol) as in FIG. 2. Its basic operation is the same as in the first three embodiments. A description of the identical circuit elements and the basic operation will be omitted in order to concentrate on the characteristics of the load circuit 32.

The load circuit 32 comprises a P-MOSFET 24 coupled between V_(CC) and a load input node L_(in), which is coupled to node N₁₁. The gate of P-MOSFET 24 is coupled through a level shifter 34 to the same node L_(in). The level shifter 34 receives an input potential from node L_(in), shifts this potential downward by an amount V_(SHF), and provides the down-shifted potential as output to the gate of P-MOSFET 24. The absolute value |V_(SHF) | of the shift should be greater than |V_(TP) |, so that the input terminal IN and node L_(in) can be biased close to V_(CC) without cutting off current flow through P-MOSFET 24.

When the input potential is |V_(SHF) |, the output potential of the level shifter is substantially zero volts. Beyond this point the output potential remains substantially constant, because the level shifter 34 cannot generate output potentials below the ground potential.

FIG. 7 shows the volt-ampere load curve of the load circuit 32. The horizontal axis in indicates the potential of input node L_(in), denoted V_(LIN) ; the vertical axis indicates current flowing through P-MOSFET 24 from V_(CC) to node L_(in). The solid curve L₁ is the actual load curve of the load circuit 32. The dotted curves L₂ and L₃ are added for explanation: curve L₂ is the load curve if the gate potential V_(G) of P-MOSFET 24 is held at its maximum attainable value of V_(CC) -V_(SHF) ; curve L₃ is the load curve if the gate of P-MOSFET 24 is grounded (V_(G) =0 V). Curve L₃ is therefore the load curve of the load circuit 10 in FIGS. 3 and 5.

Around V_(LIN) =V_(CC), the gate potential V_(G) of P-MOSFET 24 is near V_(CC) -V_(SHF), and curve L₁ is close to curve L₂. At a point where V_(LIN) =V_(SHF), since V_(G) =0, curve L₁ merges with curve L₃. Between these two values, curve L₁ is substantially linear. It can be seen that curve L₁ remains linear down to smaller values of V_(LIN) than does curve L₂. As a whole, the load circuit 32 behaves like a P-MOSFET with an expanded triode region and a reduced saturation region.

Compared with the load circuit 10 in FIGS. 3 and 5, and with the prior art shown in FIG. 1, if all these load circuits are designed to begin saturating at equal current values, the load circuit 32 of the fourth embodiment has a higher equivalent resistance value. That is, given the same maximum allowable current swing, the circuit in FIG. 6 can sense small current signals more reliably. Alternative, for a given equivalent resistance value, the load circuit 32 in FIG. 6 can tolerate greater current and voltage swings before saturation of characteristics begins. In short, the fourth embodiment has a wider dynamic range.

The load circuit 32 in FIG. 6 is applicable not only to sense circuits; it is also effective when used as a load in various other circuits that require volt-ampere characteristics with improved linearity.

5th embodiment

This embodiment, shown in FIG. 8, is similar to the fourth embodiment, except that the level shifter is now disposed in the amplifier circuit. Elements common to FIGS. 2, 3, 5, and 6 have the same reference numerals.

This sense circuit comprises a load circuit 35 with a P-MOSFET 24, a current-to-voltage converter 12 as in FIG. 2, and an amplifier circuit 36. The amplifier circuit 36 has an input node A_(in) coupled to the input terminal IN, a first output node A_(out1) coupled to the gate of P-MOSFET 14, and a second output node A_(out2) coupled to the gate of P-MOSFET 24.

This amplifier circuit 36 implements the level shifter 34 and inverting amplifier 18 of FIG. 6 in a single circuit, comprising a depletion-mode P-MOSFET 38 with gate coupled to input node A_(in), an N-MOSFET 40 with gate likewise coupled to input node A_(in), and a current mirror 42 consisting of N-MOSFETs 46 and 48. The source of the depletion-mode P-MOSFET 38 is coupled to V_(CC). Its drain is coupled to a current input node I_(in) of the current mirror 42, and to the first output node A_(out1). The drain of N-MOSFET 40 is coupled to V_(CC), and its source is coupled to a current output node I_(out) of the current mirror 42 and to the second output node A_(out2).

The sources of the N-MOSFETs 46 and 48 in the current mirror 42 are coupled to ground. Their gates are coupled to the first output node A_(out1), and to the current input node I_(in). The drain of N-MOSFET 46 is coupled to the current input node I_(in). The drain of N-MOSFET 48 is coupled to the current output node I_(out). N-MOSFETs 46 and 48 are designed to saturate when the input potential at input node A_(in) is near V_(CC), so that current flow through them is controlled by their gate potential.

Descriptions will next be given of (1) the output potential at the first output node A_(out1), (2) the output potential at the second output node A_(out2), and (3) the operation and advantages of this sense circuit.

(1) Output potential at A_(out1)

An inverting amplifier comprising the depletion-mode P-MOSFET 38 and N-MOSFET 46 is coupled between input node A_(in) and the first output node A_(out1). This part has the same structure as the inverting amplifier 18 in FIG. 3. The potential at input node A_(in) (the potential at input terminal IN) is inverted, amplified, and output to output node A_(out1).

(2) Output potential at A_(out2)

FIG. 9 is a volt-ampere diagram for describing the operation of output node A_(out2) in FIG. 8. Current is indicated on the vertical axis and voltage on the horizontal axis. It is assumed that N-MOSFETs 46 and 48 in the current mirror 42 have equal current-driving capabilities.

Curves C_(Na) and C_(Nb) are volt-ampere characteristics of the N-MOSFET 40 when its gate is biased at two potentials V_(a) and V_(b), with V_(a) >V_(b). V_(a) and V_(b) are potentials of input node A_(in). For these two curves, the horizontal axis represents the source potential of N-MOSFET 40 (the potential of output node A_(out2)). On curve C_(Na), current begins to flow when the source potential of N-MOSFET 40 is V_(a) -V_(TNN), and the current increases as this potential decreases. Current flow on curve C_(Nb) begins when the source potential of N-MOSFET 40 is V_(b) -V_(TNN).

Curves L_(a) and L_(b) are corresponding volt-ampere characteristics of N-MOSFET 48 when the potential of input node A_(in) is V_(a) and V_(b), respectively. For these two curves also, the horizontal axis represents the potential of output node A_(out2). As the potential at A_(in) rises, the gate potential of N-MOSFET 48 falls, so curve L_(a) shows less current flow than curve L_(b).

Curve C_(b) is the volt-ampere characteristic of P-MOSFET 38. For this curve, the horizontal axis represents the potential of input node A_(in), e.g. V_(a) or V_(b).

On the vertical axis, I_(a) is the current flowing through P-MOSFET 38 when the potential of input node A_(in) is V_(a). This current I_(a) must also flow through N-MOSFET 46 and, since N-MOSFETs 46 and 48 constitute a current mirror 42, through N-MOSFET 48. The characteristic curve L_(a) of N-MOSFET 48 and the characteristic curve C_(Na) of N-MOSFET 40 must therefore intersect at a point P_(a) where the current value is I_(a). This point P_(a) is the operating point of output node A_(out2) when the potential of input node A_(in) is V_(a). The voltage value V_(outa) of the operating point P_(a) is the potential of the output node A_(out2).

Similarly, I_(b) is the current flowing through P-MOSFET 38 when the potential of input node A_(in) is V_(b). Curves L_(b) and C_(Nb) must intersect at a point P_(b) where the current value is I_(b), and the voltage value V_(outb) of this point P_(b) becomes the potential of the output node A_(out2).

From FIG. 9 it can be seen that the input voltage at A_(in) is shifted down at output terminal A_(out2) (V_(outa) <V_(a) and V_(outb) <V_(b)). The input voltage swing V_(a) -V_(b) is also amplified (V_(outa) -V_(outb) >V_(a) -V_(b)). Amplification occurs only if the input potential at A_(in) is close enough to V_(CC) for N-MOSFET 48 to be saturated, but this is not a serious restriction, because the circuit is intended for use at input potentials close to V_(CC).

In a conventional level shifter, N-MOSFET 48 is replaced by a constant-current source providing a current I_(a). When the potential of input node A_(in) is V_(a), the operating point is still P_(a) and the potential of output node A_(out2) is V_(outa), but when the potential of input node A_(in) is V_(b), the operating point becomes P_(bb), and the potential of output node A_(out2) becomes V_(outbb). The output voltage swing V_(outa) -V_(outbb) is less than V_(outa) -V_(outb). For signals with the same input voltage swing, the amplifier circuit 36 of this embodiment produces a shifted output potential having a larger output swing than would a conventional level shifter.

(3) Operation and advantages of sense circuit

Basically, the fifth embodiment operates as did the fourth, with the amplifier circuit 36 in FIG. 8 performing the functions of both the inverting amplifier 18 and level shifter 34 in FIG. 6. The only difference is the greater voltage swing obtained at output node A_(out2) in FIG. 8. This enables the sense circuit to tolerate lower voltages and higher currents at the input terminal IN without saturation of P-MOSFET 24; that is, the fifth embodiment has an even wider dynamic range than the fourth embodiment. Incorporation of the shifting function into the amplifier circuit 36 also enables the sense circuit to be configured with fewer circuit elements than the circuit in FIG. 6.

Applications of the amplifier circuit 36 of this embodiment are not restricted to use in sense circuits. It is effective if used as a level shifter in a variety of situations requiring amplified, shifted output: for example, in interface circuits or the like.

6th embodiment

FIG. 10 shows a sixth embodiment of the invented sense circuit. Elements common to FIG. 2 have the same reference numerals.

This sense circuit comprises the same load circuit 10 and current-to-voltage converter 12 as in FIG. 2, and an inverting amplifier 50 with a structure differing from FIG. 2. The inverting amplifier 50 has an input node A_(in) coupled to the input terminal IN and an output node A_(out) coupled to the gate of P-MOSFET 14, and comprises a resistance circuit 22 and a novel negative-resistance circuit 52.

The negative-resistance-circuit 52 has a control terminal G and input/output terminals S and D, the control terminal G being coupled to input node A_(in), the first input/output terminal S to V_(CC), and the second input/output terminal D to one end of the resistance circuit 22 and to the output node A_(out). The other end of the resistance circuit 22 is coupled to ground. The negative-resistance circuit 52 comprises a P-MOSFET 54 coupled between the input/output terminals S and D, and N-MOSFETs 56 and 58 coupled in series between V_(CC) and ground.

P-MOSFET 54 has its source coupled to the first input/output terminal S, its gate to an internal node X, and its drain to the second input/output terminal D. N-MOSFET 56 has its drain coupled to V_(CC), its gate to control terminal G, and its source to node X. N-MOSFET 58 has its drain coupled to node X, its gate to the second input/output terminal D, and its source to ground.

The negative-resistance circuit 52 provides a variable negative resistance between input/output terminals S and D. Negative resistance means that, beyond a certain point, as the voltage between terminals S and D increases, current flow between terminals S and D decreases. (Strictly speaking, the differential resistance is negative.) The conductance of the negative-resistance circuit also depends on the input potential at the control terminal G: as this input potential increases, the conductance decreases. This is what is meant herein by saying that the negative resistance is variable.

The operation of a negative-resistance circuit of this type will be explained in more detail later, in FIGS. 25 to 28. Here the operating characteristics and advantages of the sense circuit in FIG. 10 will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 to 13. First, the operation of the inverting amplifier 50 will be described.

FIG. 11 is a diagram of operating characteristics of the inverting amplifier 50. The vertical axis represents current flowing between the input/output terminals S and D of the negative-resistance circuit 52, hence through the resistance circuit 22. The horizontal axis represents the potential of node A_(out), hence at input/output terminal D.

In FIG. 11, curves NR_(a) and NR_(b) are volt-ampere characteristics of the negative-resistance circuit 52 when the potential of input node A_(in) is V_(a) and V_(b), respectively, where V_(a) <V_(b). On both curves NR_(a) and NR_(b), as the potential of the output node A_(out) falls, the current first increases, then decreases. More current (higher conductance) is obtained with the lower V_(a) than with the higher V_(b).

Curve L_(R) in FIG. 11 is a volt-ampere characteristic of the resistance circuit 22 when implemented by, for example, an N-MOSFET with interconnected gate and drain. The operating point of the circuit when the potential of input node A_(in) is V_(a) is the intersection P_(a) of curves NR_(a) and L_(R), at which the potential of output node A_(out) becomes V_(outa). The operating point of the circuit when the potential of input node A_(in) is V_(b) is the intersection P_(b) of curves NR_(b) and L_(R), at which the potential of output node V_(out) becomes V_(outb). For an input voltage swing V_(a) -V_(b), that is, an output voltage swing V_(outa) -V_(outb) is obtained.

The gain of the inverting amplifier 50 of the present embodiment can be compared with the gain of the inverting amplifier 18 in FIG. 2, in which the negative-resistance circuit 52 is replaced with a depletion-mode P-MOSFET. Curves C_(aa) and C_(bb), indicated by dotted lines in FIG. 11, are volt-ampere characteristics of a depletion-mode P-MOSFET when its gate potential is V_(a) and V_(b), respectively. The operating point when the potential of input node A_(in) is V_(a) becomes P_(aa) and the operating point when the potential of input node A_(in) is V_(b) becomes P_(bb). For an identical input swing from V_(a) to V_(b), the output voltage swing of inverting amplifier 18 in FIG. 2 is V_(outaa) -V_(outbb), which is less than the V_(outa) -V_(outb) voltage swing of inverting amplifier 50 in FIG. 10.

Configuring the inverting amplifier 50 in the present embodiment from a negative-resistance circuit 52 and resistance circuit 22 therefore improves its gain. Another advantage is that the negative-resistance circuit 52 has no depletion-mode transistors, so no special fabrication steps are needed to form them.

The potential of internal node X in FIG. 10 is always less than the potential of control node G by at least V_(TNN), so P-MOSFET 54 in the negative-resistance circuit 52 does not cut off, even when the potential at nodes A_(in) and G is V_(CC). The input terminal IN can therefore be biased close to V_(CC), just as in the first to fifth embodiments, which is an advantage for operation at low supply voltages.

Next, the stability of operation of the inverting amplifier 50 will be discussed with reference to FIG. 12. FIG. 12 is simply a redrawing of the inverting amplifier 50 in FIG. 10, showing the resistance circuit 22 consisting of an N-MOSFET with interconnected gate and drain as mentioned above. N-MOSFETs 56 and 58 are regarded as constituting a circuit A with input node N₄₂ and output node N₄₀. P-MOSFET 54 and the resistance circuit 22 are regarded as constituting a circuit B with input node N₄₀ and output node N₄₂. Circuits A and B are mutually cross-coupled. Node N41 (terminal G in FIG. 10) is biased to a suitable potential, e.g. a potential close to V_(CC).

FIG. 13 shows the input-output characteristics of circuits A and B. The vertical axis in FIG. 13 represents the potential of node N₄₀, which is the output node of circuit A and the input node of circuit B. The horizontal axis represents the potential of node N₄₂, which is the input node of circuit A and the output node of circuit B. Curve C_(A) is the input-output characteristic curve of circuit A; curve C_(B) is the input-output characteristic curve of circuit B.

In circuit A, as the input potential (node N₄₂) falls, the output potential (node 40) rises. When the input potential becomes V_(TN), the output potential reaches and remains fixed at V_(CC) -V_(TNN).

In circuit B, as the input potential (node 40) rises, the output potential (node N₄₂) falls. When the input potential becomes V_(CC) -|V_(TP) |, the output potential reaches and remains fixed at V_(TN). The characteristic curves C_(A) and C_(B) therefore intersect at an operating point P.

When the potential of node 40 is V_(CC) -V_(TNN), N-MOSFET 56 in circuit A is strongly back-biased, so V_(TNN) is much greater than V_(TN). Under normal CMOS fabrication conditions with V_(TN) approximately equal to |V_(TP) |, V_(TNN) is also much greater than |V_(TP) |. This condition ensures that characteristic curves C_(A) and C_(B) do not intersect at points other than P. Operation of the inverting amplifier 50 is therefore stable.

7th embodiment

This embodiment, shown in FIG. 14, combines the fifth and sixth embodiments. Elements common to FIGS. 8 and 10 have the same reference numerals.

This sense circuit differs from FIG. 8 only in the structure of its amplifier circuit 60. Externally, the amplifier circuit 60 has the same input and output nodes as in FIG. 8, with input node A_(in) coupled to the input terminal IN, output node A_(out1) coupled to the gate of P-MOSFET 14, and output A_(out2) coupled to the gate of P-MOSFET 24.

Internally, the amplifier circuit 60 comprises a resistance circuit consisting of an N-MOSFET 62 with interconnected gate and drain, and a negative-resistance circuit 64. The negative-resistance circuit 64 is identical to the negative-resistance circuit 52 shown in FIG. 10, except that the internal node X has been led out to an output terminal TX. Output terminal TX is coupled to the second output node A_(out2) of the amplifier circuit 60. Input/output terminal D is coupled to the first output node A_(out1), and input/output terminal S to V_(CC). Control terminal G is coupled to the input node A_(in).

The amplifier circuit 60 operates like the amplifier circuit 50 in FIG. 10, so to describe the operation of this sense circuit, all that remains is to describe the relationship of the second output node A_(out) to the input node A_(in). This relationship can be understood by considering the modified circuit shown in FIG. 15, which is obtained from the amplifier circuit 36 of FIG. 8 by replacing the depletion-mode P-MOSFET 38 with a negative-resistance circuit 52 identical to the negative-resistance circuit 52 in FIG. 10.

The part of FIG. 15 consisting of the negative-resistance circuit 52 and N-MOSFET 46 has the same configuration as the inverting amplifier 50 in FIG. 10. Accordingly, the voltage swing at input node A_(in) is inverted, amplified, and obtained at the second input/output terminal D. As explained in FIG. 10, the gain is larger than when a depletion-mode P-MOSFET is used. Since this second input/output terminal D controls the gate of N-MOSFET 48, it provides a shifted output from the second output node A_(out2), with a larger voltage swing in FIG. 15 than in FIG. 8.

In FIG. 15, the gate potentials of N-MOSFETs 40 and 56 are always equal, and the gate potentials of N-MOSFETs 48 and 58 are always equal. If the capability of the N-MOSFET 56 in FIG. 15 (defined by the drain current that can be produced by a drain-source voltage for a fixed gate voltage, for example) is equal to the capability of N-MOSFET 40, and the capability of N-MOSFET 58 is equal to the capability of N-MOSFET 48, then the gate potential of P-MOSFET 54 and the potential of the second output node A_(out2) are always equal. A simpler equivalent circuit can therefore be obtained by connecting the gate of P-MOSFET 54 to the second output node A_(out2) and eliminating N-MOSFETs 40 and 48, as shown in FIG. 16. The circuit in FIG. 16 is none other than the amplifier circuit 60 of FIG. 14.

The amplifier circuit 36 in FIG. 8 and the amplifier circuit 60 in FIG. 14 both comprise four transistors, but the amplifier circuit 60 in FIG. 14 is easier to fabricate because it has no depletion-mode transistors. Moreover, it provides a higher gain for the shifted output at the second output node A_(out2). Other features of the seventh embodiment are as already noted in the first to sixth embodiments, including stability of operation, suitability for use at low supply voltages, and a wide dynamic range.

Applications of the amplifier circuit 60 in FIG. 14 are not restricted to sense circuits; it is effective when used as a level shifter and inverting amplifier in various other types of circuits as well.

The preceding sense circuits can be used in a semiconductor memory (e.g. DRAM, SRAM, or ROM) by coupling their input terminal IN to a data line as shown, for example, in FIG. 1. The load circuit 10, 32, or 35 then becomes a data-line load circuit that biases the data line to a potential near V_(CC).

The embodiments so far have shown a sense circuit with a single input terminal, but in memory circuits, differential data signals are often employed. The next embodiments will show how the invention can be adapted to sense differential current inputs and produce differential voltage outputs.

8th embodiment

FIG. 17 shows a sense circuit illustrating an eighth embodiment of the invention. This sense circuit comprises a first circuit section 110 having a first output terminal OUT and a first input terminal IN, and a second circuit section 120 with the same structure as the first circuit section 110, having a second output terminal OUTB and a second input terminal INB.

The first circuit section 110 has a load circuit 111 coupled between the first input terminal IN and V_(CC). The input terminal IN is coupled to the source of a first depletion-mode P-MOSFET 112, the gate of which is coupled to the second input terminal INB. The drain of P-MOSFET 112 is coupled to the first output terminal OUT, and is coupled through a first resistance circuit 113 to ground.

Similarly, the second circuit section 120 has a load circuit 121 coupled between the second input terminal INB and the supply voltage V_(CC). The input terminal INB is coupled to the source of a second depletion-mode P-MOSFET 122, the gate of which is coupled to the first input terminal IN. The drain of P-MOSFET 122 is coupled to the second output terminal OUTB, and through a second resistance circuit 123 to ground.

This sense circuit is thus configured so that the gates and sources of the two P-MOSFETs 112 and 122 are mutually cross-coupled, and these two transistors operate mutually as source-followers. P-MOSFETs 112 and 122 are designed to saturate during normal operation. Operation will be described next.

The input terminals IN and INB are both biased close to the supply voltage V_(CC). In the following analysis, the input terminals IN and INB will be treated as current sinks. I_(IN) will denote current flowing into the sense circuit at input terminal IN (if current is actually flowing out at input terminal IN, then I_(IN) is negative.) Similarly, I_(INB) will denote current flowing into the sense circuit at input terminal INB.

If current I_(IN) increases and current I_(INB) decreases, the potential V_(IN) of input terminal IN will rise slightly, and the potential V_(INB) of input terminal INB will fall slightly. The conductance of P-MOSFET 112 will therefore increase while the conductance of P-MOSFET 122 decreases. The current I_(D) flowing through P-MOSFET 112 will then increase, the current I_(DB) flowing through P-MOSFET 122 will decrease, the voltage drop across resistance circuit 113 will rise, the voltage drop across resistance circuit 123 will fall, and a potential difference V_(OUTdif) will be obtained at output terminals OUT and OUTB.

The increase in current I_(D) substantially matches the increase in current I_(IN), so no great change occurs in the current I_(L) flowing through the data-line load circuit 111. Similarly, there is no great change in the current I_(LB) flowing through the data-line load circuit 121. The potentials of input terminals IN and INB therefore change only slightly, and the difference V_(INdif) between them can be kept small.

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described mathematically.

Let r be the resistance value of the load circuits 111 and 112, R be the resistance value of the resistance circuits 113 and 123, g_(m) be the transconductance of P-MOSFETs 112 and 122, and I_(INdif) be the differential current flow to input terminals IN and INB (I_(INdif) =I_(IN`-I) _(INB)). From the symmetry of the first and second circuit sections 110 and 120, if I_(INdif) =0, then V_(IN) =V_(INB), I_(D) =I_(DB), and V_(OUTdif) =0.

Next, assume that a differential current signal is received, such that I_(INdif) >0. Let ΔI_(IN) be the resulting change in the current I_(IN), ΔI_(INB) the change in the current I_(INB), ΔI_(D) the change in the current I_(D), ΔI_(DB) the change in the current I_(DB), ΔV_(IN) the change in the potential V_(IN), and ΔV_(INB) the change in the potential V_(INB). Then:

    ΔV.sub.IN =-r(ΔI.sub.D -ΔI.sub.IN)       (1)

    ΔV.sub.INB =-r(ΔI.sub.DB -ΔI.sub.INB)    (2)

    ΔI.sub.D =g.sub.m (ΔV.sub.IN -ΔV.sub.INB)(3)

    ΔI.sub.DB =g.sub.m (ΔV.sub.INB -ΔV.sub.IN)(4)

Therefore,

    ΔI.sub.D -ΔI.sub.DB = 1/(1+1/2rg.sub.m)!(ΔI.sub.IN ΔI.sub.INB)                                         (5)

If 2rg_(m) >>1, then

    ΔI.sub.D -ΔI.sub.DB =ΔI.sub.IN -ΔI.sub.INB (approximately)                                           (6)

Also, ##EQU1## Furthermore,

    V.sub.INdif =ΔV.sub.IN -ΔV.sub.INB             (8)

    I.sub.INdif =ΔI.sub.IN -ΔI.sub.INB             (9)

    V.sub.OUTdif =R(ΔI.sub.D -ΔI.sub.DB)           (10)

From equations (6) and (7), it follows that:

    V.sub.INdif = 1/(2g.sub.m)!I.sub.INdif                     (11)

    V.sub.OUTdif =R·I.sub.Indif                       (12)

If the transconductance g_(m) and resistance value R are both sufficiently large, a slight current differential I_(INdif) at the input terminals IN and INB will produce a large output voltage differential V_(OUTdif) between the output terminals OUT and OUTB, while causing only a small potential difference V_(INdif) between the input terminals IN and INB. The equivalent impedance between input terminals IN and INB is also extremely small, being 1/2 g_(m). In a memory circuit, this enables fast read-out of data even if long data lines having a large parasitic capacitance are coupled to the input terminals IN and INB.

In addition, with reference to equation (5), no matter how large rg_(m) becomes, ΔI_(D) -ΔI_(DB) will still be less than ΔI_(IN-)ΔI_(INB). The circuit is therefore extremely stable, will not oscillate or latch up, and has an ample operating margin with respect to fabrication tolerances and noise. Its stability will be described with reference to FIG. 18.

FIG. 18 shows input-output voltage characteristics of the first and second circuit sections 110 and 120, assuming that there is no current differential between the input terminals IN and INB. The horizontal axis indicates the potential of the second input terminal INB, which potential is here considered as being output from the second circuit section 120 and input to the first circuit section 110. The vertical axis indicates the potential of the first input terminal IN, which is considered as being output from the first circuit section 110 and input to the second circuit section 120.

With these definitions of input and output, curve C₁ is the input-output characteristic of the first circuit section 110, and curve C₂ is the input-output characteristic of the second circuit section 120. In each circuit section, as the input potential varies between ground and V_(CC), the output potential varies between two intermediate values determined by the resistances of the load circuits 111 and 121 and resistance circuits 113 and 123. That is, each circuit operates as an amplifier with a gain of less than unity. In this respect the eighth embodiment differs from the first seven embodiments, which employed inverting amplifiers.

In FIG. 18, curves C₁ and C₂ intersect at a single operating point P, and diverge from each other as they move away from point P. Even if curves C₁ and C₂ are altered by fabrication variations or noise, they are unlikely to intersect at multiple operating points. Accordingly, the sense circuit will not oscillate. Nor can it latch up in a state in which one input terminal is high and the other low, because feedback operates to keep both input terminals IN and INB at substantially the same potential.

The drain-source voltage needed to saturate the depletion-mode P-MOSFETs 112 and 122 can be made quite small, so adequate gain can be obtained even in operation at low supply voltages.

9th embodiment

FIG. 19 is a partial circuit diagram of a memory circuit illustrating a ninth embodiment of the invention. Elements identical to elements in FIG. 17 have the same reference numerals.

This memory circuit comprises a sense circuit 100 generally similar to the sense circuit of FIG. 17. The sense circuit 100 comprises a first circuit section 110A having a first output terminal OUT and a first input terminal IN, and a second circuit section 120A, identical in structure to the first circuit section 110A, having a second output terminal OUTB and a second input terminal INB. The input terminals IN and INB are coupled to a pair of data lines DL and DLB.

The data-line load circuits 111 and 121 and depletion-mode P-MOSFETs 112 and 122 are as in FIG. 17. Differing from FIG. 17, the first circuit section 110A has a P-MOSFET 114 coupled in series between the drain of P-MOSFET 112 and the first output terminal OUT. The second circuit section 120A has a similar P-MOSFET 124 coupled in series between the drain of P-MOSFET 122 and the second output terminal OUTB. The gates of P-MOSFETs 114 and 124 are both coupled to a sense-enable terminal SEB. P-MOSFETs 114 and 124 function as switches that enable and disable the sense circuit 100.

The first and second output terminals OUT and OUTB of the sense circuit 100 are coupled to data bus lines DB and DBB, respectively. Other identical sense circuits, not shown in the drawing, are also coupled to data bus lines DB and DBB. Data bus lines DB and DBB are coupled to ground through a first resistance circuit 131 and a second resistance circuit 132, respectively. The pair of resistance circuits 131 and 132 serves all the sense circuits coupled to data bus lines DB and DBB, taking the place of the resistance circuits 113 and 123 in FIG. 17.

Next, the operation will be described.

When the memory is not being accessed, the sense-enable terminals SEB of all sense circuits are high (at the V_(CC) potential), switching off P-MOSFETs 114 and 124 in each sense circuit so that no current flows. In this disabled state the input terminals IN and INB are biased through the load circuits 111 and 121 to V_(CC). This is close to the level of the data lines DL and DLB in the operating state, permitting a rapid transition from the disabled state to the operating state.

When a read access occurs, the sense-enable terminal SEB of one sense circuit (the sense circuit 100 in FIG. 19, for example) goes low (to the ground potential), turning on P-MOSFETs 114 and 124. The enabled sense circuit 100 now operates substantially like the sense circuit in FIG. 17, being unaffected by the other sense circuits coupled to the data bus lines DB and DBB, which are still disabled. P-MOSFET 112 and the first resistance circuit 131 are coupled in series between input terminal IN and ground; likewise P-MOSFET 122 and the second resistance circuit 132 between input terminal INB and ground. A small current differential on data lines DL and DLB is converted to a large voltage differential on data bus lines DB and DBB.

Operation of this memory circuit does not require the switching P-MOSFETs 114 and 124 to be saturated, which is an advantage in operation at low supply voltages.

10th embodiment

FIG. 20 shows a sense circuit illustrating a tenth embodiment of the invention. Elements identical to elements in FIG. 17 have the same reference numerals.

This sense circuit comprises a first circuit section 110B having a first negative-resistance circuit 115 in place of the first depletion-mode P-MOSFET 112 of FIG. 17, and a second circuit section 120B having a second negative-resistance circuit 125 in place of the second depletion-mode P-MOSFET 122 of FIG. 17.

Negative-resistance circuits 115 and 125 are similar to the negative-resistance 52 introduced in FIG. 10, with input/output terminals S and D and a control terminal G. In the first circuit section 110B, the first input/output terminal S of the negative-resistance circuit 115 is coupled to the first input terminal IN, and through the first load circuit 111 to V_(CC). The second input/output terminal D is coupled to the first output terminal OUT, and through the first resistance circuit 113 to ground. The control terminal G is coupled to the second input terminal INB in the second circuit section 120B.

The negative-resistance circuit 125 in the second circuit section 120B is connected in an analogous manner, as shown in the drawing.

Internally, the negative-resistance circuits 115 and 125 have the same structure as the negative-resistance circuit 52 in FIG. 10, with P-MOSFETs 115a and 125a corresponding to P-MOSFET 54, N-MOSFETs 115b and 125b to N-MOSFET 56, and N-MOSFETs 115c and 125c to N-MOSFET 58. As in FIG. 10, the two N-MOSFETs in each negative-resistance circuit are coupled in series between V_(CC) and ground.

The negative-resistance circuits 115 and 125 operate as already described in FIGS. 10 and 11, providing a variable negative resistance between the input/output terminals S and D, responsive to the potential of the control terminal G. Even if the input terminals IN and INB are biased at V_(CC), the P-MOSFETs 115a and 125a do not cut off.

If the potential of the second input terminal INB falls, for example, the conductance of P-MOSFET 115a will increase, more current will flow through the first negative-resistance circuit 115 and the potential of the first output terminal OUT will rise. That is, the first and second negative-resistance circuits 115 and 125 operate as analogues of depletion-mode P-MOSFETs, except that, as discussed in FIG. 11, they afford higher gain. In the preceding equations (1) to (12), use of the negative-resistance circuits 115 and 125 yields a larger transconductance g_(m), thereby reducing the voltage differential between the input terminals IN and INB.

The tenth embodiment has the same advantages as the eighth, with the further advantages of higher gain and easier fabrication, since no depletion-mode P-MOSFETs are required.

In FIG. 20, the first input terminals S and control terminals G of the first and second negative-resistance circuits 115 and 125 are cross-coupled, so the first circuit section 110B and second circuit section 120B operate mutually as source-followers. Therefore, although the gain of the sense circuit is raised, its loop gain does not exceed unity, and stable operation is obtained as was shown in FIG. 18. This is also clear from equation (5), because ΔI_(D) -I_(DB) remains less than ΔI_(IN) -I_(INB) even if g_(m) approaches infinity.

In the present embodiment, it is necessary for the P-MOSFETs 115a and 125a in the first and second negative-resistance circuits 115 and 125 to be saturated. Therefore, the potentials of the first and second input terminals IN and INB must be at least V_(TP) +V_(R) (where V_(R) is the potential drop of the resistance circuits 113 and 123). However, this is a less stringent constraint than found in the prior art.

11th embodiment

FIG. 21 shows a sense circuit illustrating an eleventh embodiment of the invention, comprising first and second circuit sections 110C and 120C. Elements identical to elements in FIG. 20 have the same reference numerals.

This sense circuit uses negative-resistance circuits 16 and 126 which are identical to the negative-resistance circuits in FIG. 20, except that they have additional output terminals TX coupled to internal nodes X, as in FIG. 14. The output terminal TX of the first negative-resistance circuit 110C is coupled to the gate of a P-MOSFET 127 that replaces the load circuit 121 of FIG. 20. The output terminal TX of the second negative-resistance circuit 120C is coupled to the gate of a P-MOSFET 117 that replaces the load circuit 111 of FIG. 20.

This embodiment combines the features of the seventh and tenth embodiments. The potential of the second input terminal INB is shifted down, amplified, and obtained at output terminal TX of the first negative-resistance circuit 116. The gate potential of the P-MOSFET 127 coupled to the second input terminal INB therefore drops together with the fall of the potential of the input terminal INB, and the current flowing through the P-MOSFET 127 increases. The load P-MOSFET 127 operates as if the range of its non-saturated region were expanded, and the linearity of its load characteristic is improved. The same holds for the load P-MOSFET 117 in the first circuit section 110C. A sense circuit with a wide dynamic range is thereby obtained.

12th embodiment

FIG. 22 shows a sense circuit illustrating a twelfth embodiment of the invention, comprising first and second circuit sections 110D and 120D. Elements identical to elements in FIG. 20 have the same reference numerals.

The first and second circuit sections 110D and 120D comprise first and second negative-resistance circuits 118 and 128 that are similar to the negative-resistance circuits 115 and 125 in FIG. 20, except that the drains of N-MOSFETs 115b and 125b are coupled to terminals TY instead of to V_(CC). Terminals TY of the first and second negative-resistance circuits 118 and 128 are both coupled through a single switching P-MOSFET 133 to V_(CC).

This sense circuit has the same switching P-MOSFETs 114 and 124 as used in the memory circuit of FIG. 19. P-MOSFET 114 is coupled in series between the second input/output terminal D of the first negative-resistance circuit 118 and the first output terminal OUT. P-MOSFET 124 is coupled in series between the second input/output terminal D of the second negative-resistance circuit 118 and the second output terminal OUTB. The gates of P-MOSFETs 114, 124, and 133 are all controlled by a sense-enable signal SEB.

When the sense-enable signal SEB is high, P-MOSFETs 114, 124, and 133 are switched off and no current flows through the first and second circuit sections 110D and 120D. When the sense-enable signal SEB is low, P-MOSFETs 114, 124, and 133 are switched on and this sense circuit operates like the one in FIG. 20.

As noted in FIG. 19, when the sense circuit is disabled (SEB high), the input terminals IN and INB are biased at V_(CC), which is close to their operating level, so a rapid transition can be made from the disabled state to the operating state. Also, it is not necessary for P-MOSFETs 114 and 124 to be saturated in these sense operations, which is an advantage for operation at low supply voltages.

The input terminals IN and INB in FIG. 22 can be coupled to data lines, and the output terminals OUT and OUTB to data bus lines, in the same way as in FIG. 19, to configure the read-out circuit of a semiconductor memory.

To reduce power dissipation in earlier embodiments, the resistance circuits 16 and 22 in FIGS. 2, 8, 10, and 14 and the resistance circuits 113 and 123 in FIGS. 17, 20, and 21 may also comprise a resistance coupled in series with a switch. For example, a resistance circuit as shown in FIG. 23 can be used, comprising a terminal RA coupled to a sense-circuit output terminal, an N-MOSFET 130 with drain and gate coupled to terminal RA and acting as a resistive element, an N-MOSFET 132 with drain coupled to the source of N-MOSFET 130 and acting as a switch, a terminal RB coupled to the source of N-MOSFET 132, and a terminal RC coupled to the gate of N-MOSFET 132. Terminal RB is coupled to ground, for example. Terminal RC receives a control signal that switches N-MOSFET 132 off to prevent current flow when the connected sense circuit is inactive.

The novel negative-resistance circuit employed in several of the preceding sense circuits has other applications as well. Further embodiments of this negative-resistance circuit and of a Schmitt trigger using it will be described next.

13th embodiment

FIG. 24 shows a variation of the invented negative-resistance circuit in which the roles of P-MOSFET and N-MOSFET are interchanged. An N-MOSFET 140 is now coupled between the first and second input/output terminals S and D. Two P-MOSFETs 142 and 144 are coupled in series between V_(CC) and ground. The gate of N-MOSFET 140 is coupled to internal node X, between P-MOSFETs 142 and 144. The gate of P-MOSFET 142 is coupled to control terminal G. The gate of P-MOSFET 144 is coupled to the second input/output terminal D.

Incidentally, terminals S, G, and D are analogous to the source, gate, and drain of a transistor. Terminals S and D are in fact the source and drain of N-MOSFET 140, while terminal G, via P-MOSFET 142, exerts control over the gate of N-MOSFET 140. Overall, the negative-resistance circuit operates much like a depletion-mode N-MOSFET, except that as the drain potential at terminal D rises, at a certain point the drain-source current, instead of merely saturating, starts to decline.

FIG. 25 is an explanatory diagram of potentials and currents in this negative-resistance circuit. The static operation of this circuit can be described by assuming that input/output terminal S is grounded, and introducing three voltage sources E₁, E₂, and E₃. The first voltage source E₁ generates a voltage V_(NDS) between the input/output terminals D and S. The second voltage source E₂ generates a voltage V_(NGS) between control terminal G and input/output terminal S. The third voltage source E₃ provides the power-supply potential V_(CC) applied to the source of P-MOSFET 144. V_(GS0) denotes the gate-source voltage of N-MOSFET 140. The gate-source voltage of P-MOSFET 142 is V_(NGS). The gate-source voltage of P-MOSFET 144 is V_(NDS) -V_(CC), denoted V_(GS4).

FIG. 26 shows volt-ampere characteristics of P-MOSFETs 142 and 144 in FIG. 25 when V_(NGS) is zero volts. The vertical axis indicates the current I_(BIAS) flowing through P-MOSFETs 142 and 144; the horizontal axis indicates the potential V_(X) of node X. Curve C₂ in FIG. 26 is the volt-ampere characteristic of P-MOSFET 142. Curves C_(4a), C_(4b), and C_(4c) are volt-ampere characteristics of P-MOSFET 144 when V_(NDS) has respective values of V_(a), V_(b), and V_(c) (where V_(a) <V_(b) <V_(c)).

As potential V_(NDS) increases from V_(a) to V_(c), the gate-source voltage |V_(GS4) | of P-MOSFET 144 decreases, reducing the current flow through P-MOSFET 144. The operating point of node X when V_(NDS) =V_(a) is the point Q_(A), at which the potential V_(X) of node X is V_(A). Similarly, the operating point when V_(NDS) =V_(b) is Q_(B), at which V_(X) =V_(B). The operating point when V_(NDS) =V_(c) is Q_(C), at which V_(X) =V_(C). As V_(NDS) increases from V_(a) to V_(c), the potential V_(X) of node X decreases: V_(A) >V_(B) >V_(C). The potential V_(X) of node X is the gate-source voltage V_(GS0) of N-MOSFET 140.

FIG. 27 is a static characteristic diagram of the negative-resistance circuit 10 when V_(NGS) is again zero volts. The vertical axis indicates the current I_(NDS) flowing from input/output terminal D to input/output terminal S. The horizontal axis indicates the voltage V_(NDS) between the input/output terminals D and S.

In FIG. 27, the solid-line curve C_(NR) is the volt-ampere characteristic of the negative-resistance circuit 10. The dotted-line curves C_(0A), C_(0B), and C_(0C) are the volt-ampere characteristics of N-MOSFET 140 when its gate-source voltage V_(GS0) is fixed at V_(A), V_(B), and V_(C), respectively. If V_(NDS) is V_(a), then V_(GS0) is V_(A), so curve C_(0A) applies and the circuit operates at point P_(a). If V_(NDS) is V_(b), then V_(GS0) is V_(B), so curve C_(0B) applies and the circuit operates at point P_(b). Similarly, if V_(NDS) is V_(c), then V_(GS0) is V_(C), so curve C_(OG) applies and the circuit operates at point P_(c).

When voltage V_(NDS) is sufficiently small, i.e. V_(NDS) =V_(a), the gate-source voltage V_(GS0) of N-MOSFET 140 is sufficiently large that N-MOSFET 140 is in a non-saturated state in the vicinity of its operating point P_(a). The current I_(NDS) is therefore determined mainly by the voltage V_(NDS), and as voltage V_(NDS) increases, the current I_(NDS) increases.

At a larger value of V_(NDS), specifically at V_(NDS) =V_(b), the gate-source voltage V_(GS0) of N-MOSFET 140 becomes small enough that N-MOSFET 140 enters saturation, and the current I_(NDS) peaks at operating point P_(b).

If V_(NDS) increases further, to V_(c) for example, the gate-source voltage V_(GS0) of N-MOSFET 140 decreases further and the N-MOSFET 140 becomes more deeply saturated. In the deeply saturated state around operating point P_(c), current I_(NDS) is determined mainly by the gate-source voltage V_(GS0) of N-MOSFET 140, which is decreasing as V_(NDS) increases. Accordingly, as voltage V_(NDS) increases, current I_(NDS) decreases, and a negative resistance characteristic is obtained.

When V_(NDS) reaches V_(CC) -V_(TP), P-MOSFET 144 turns off, V_(GS0) holds steady at V_(TPP), and curve C_(NR) levels out parallel to the horizontal axis.

FIG. 28 shows volt-ampere characteristics of the negative-resistance circuit 10 for three more values of V_(NGS). As in FIG. 27, the vertical axis represents current I_(NDS) and the horizontal axis represents voltage V_(NDS). Curve C_(NR1) applies when V_(NGS) has a certain value between ground and V_(TN). Curve C_(NR2) applies when V_(NGS) =V_(TN). Curve C_(NR3) applies when V_(NGS) has a certain value exceeding V_(TN).

Referring again to FIG. 26, when voltage V_(NGS) is greater than zero, the characteristic curve C₂ of P-MOSFET 142 is shifted to the right by an amount equal to V_(NGS). Therefore, the values of the gate-source voltage V_(GS0) of N-MOSFET 140 (V_(A), V_(B), V_(C)) corresponding to given values of its drain-source voltage V_(NDS) (V_(a), V_(b), V_(c)) also shift to the right (increase).

In FIG. 28, this means that as V_(NGS) rises, the increasing gate-source voltage of N-MOSFET 140 causes it to enter saturation at a later point, and causes overall current flow to rise. The characteristic curves therefore peak at higher values, with the peak occurring further to the right, a shown.

To summarize, for sufficiently large voltages between its input/output terminals S and D, the circuit in FIG. 24 shows negative resistance between these terminals, current flow decreasing as the voltage increases. The conductance of the negative-resistance circuit also varies with the potential of the control terminal G, the conductance increasing as the potential of terminal G increases.

A similar description applies to the negative-resistance circuits in FIGS. 10 to 22, with the roles of V_(CC) and ground interchanged, so that conductance decreases as the potential of terminal G increases.

The invented negative-resistance circuit has several advantages. One is a simple configuration and easy fabrication, since it consists only of three enhancement-mode MOSFETs. Another is a high current-driving capability, because only a single MOSFET (N-MOSFET 140 in FIG. 24, P-MOSFET 54 in FIG. 10) is coupled in series between the input/output terminals S and D. Yet another advantage is that the gate bias of this MOSFET can be designed independently of its drain-source current I_(NDS), by appropriate selection of the parameters of the other two MOSFETs (P-MOSFETs 142 and 144 in FIG. 24, N-MOSFETS 56 and 58 in FIG. 10). This affords a high degree of freedom in design, in particular with respect to differential volt-ampere characteristics (change in I_(NDS) over change in V_(NDS)).

If necessary, depletion-mode MOSFETs can be used for one or more of the transistors in this negative-resistance circuit. Although there is a fabrication-cost penalty, this enables circuits with various useful characteristics to be designed. For example, if P-MOSFET 142 in FIG. 24 is of the depletion type, then the characteristic curves in FIG. 28 are shifted downward and the current I_(NDS) can be made to cut off when V_(NGS) is zero volts. A so-called enhancement-mode negative-resistance circuit can also be obtained easily.

14th embodiment

Referring to FIG. 29, a switch 148 can be added between P-MOSFET 144 and V_(CC). When switch 148 is in the on-state, the negative-resistance circuit is enabled and operates as described above in FIGS. 24 to 28. When switch 148 is in the off-state, the negative-resistance circuit is disabled and bias current flow through P-MOSFETs 142 and 144 is cut off, reducing power dissipation.

Regardless of the potential of control terminal G, the potential of node X does not go below |V_(TPP) |. When node X is at this potential, |V_(TPP) |>>V_(TN) =V_(TP) (approximately), so N-MOSFET 140 is in the on-state even if switch 148 is in the off-state.

15th embodiment

Referring to FIG. 30, the negative-resistance circuit in FIG. 24 can also be modified to have N-MOSFET 140 cut off when the circuit is disabled. In FIG. 30 a P-MOSFET 150 is coupled in series between node X and the drain of P-MOSFET 144, and an N-MOSFET 152 is coupled between node X and ground. The gates of both P-MOSFET 150 and N-MOSFET 152 are coupled to a terminal φ. P-MOSFET 150 and N-MOSFET 152 function as switches that switch the negative-resistance circuit on and off.

When terminal φ is high (at the V_(CC) potential), P-MOSFET 150 is in the off-state and N-MOSFET 152 is in the on-state. The off-state of the P-MOSFET 150 cuts off the bias current flowing through P-MOSFETs 142 and 144. Since N-MOSFET 152 is switched on, node X is at ground potential, and N-MOSFET 140 is in the off-state. The negative-resistance circuit is completely disabled; no current flows through it, either between V_(CC) and ground or between the input/output terminals D and S.

When terminal φ is low (at ground potential), P-MOSFET 150 is in the on-state and N-MOSFET 152 is in the off-state. The negative-resistance circuit now operates as in FIGS. 24 to 28. An advantage of the switching scheme in FIG. 30 is that it does not impair the current-driving capability of the circuit, because as before, only a single N-MOSFET 140 is coupled between the input/output terminals S and D.

16th embodiment

FIG. 31 illustrates an application of the invented negative-resistance circuit in a Schmitt trigger. The Schmitt trigger comprises the negative-resistance circuit 160 of FIG. 24 and a P-MOSFET 162. The first input/output terminal S of the negative-resistance circuit 160 is coupled to ground, and the control terminal G is coupled to an input terminal IN. The second input/output terminal D is coupled to an output terminal OUT and to the drain of P-MOSFET 162. The gate of P-MOSFET 162 is coupled to the input terminal IN, and its source is coupled to V_(CC).

The operation of the Schmitt trigger in FIG. 31 will be described with reference to FIGS. 32 and 33.

FIG. 32 shows volt-ampere characteristics of the negative-resistance circuit 160 and P-MOSFET 162. The vertical axis indicates the current I_(NDS) flowing from V_(CC) to ground through P-MOSFET 162, input/output terminal D, and input/output terminal S. The horizontal axis indicates the potential V_(OUT) of the output terminal OUT, which is also the voltage V_(NDS) applied between input/output terminals D and S.

Curves C_(NR1), C_(NR2), and C_(NR3) are volt-ampere characteristics of the negative-resistance circuit 160 for three increasing values of the potential at input terminal IN, similar to the three curves shown in FIG. 28. Curves C_(P1), C_(P2), and C_(P3) are corresponding characteristic curves of P-MOSFET 162. As the potential of input terminal IN rises, for a given value of V_(OUT), more current flows through the negative-resistance circuit 160, and less current flows through P-MOSFET 162.

Curves C_(NR3) and C_(P3) intersect at a single point R₀. Curves C_(NR2) and C_(P2) intersect at multiple points R₁, R₂, and R₃. Curves C_(NR1) and C_(P1) intersect at a single point R₄.

As the potential at input terminal IN falls from V_(CC), for example, the Schmitt trigger operates first at point R₀, then at point R₁. In both cases the output potential V_(OUT) is low. As the potential at input terminal IN falls further, operating points such as R₀, R₁, and R₂ disappear and the circuit is constrained to operate around point R₄, so V_(OUT) goes high. If the potential at input terminal IN rises again, the circuit returns from point R₄ to R₃, instead of to R₁. V_(OUT) remains high. When the potential at input terminal IN rises still further, however, operating points such as R₃ and R₄ disappear, and the circuit is constrained to operate around R₀ ; V_(OUT) goes low.

The Schmitt trigger in FIG. 31 accordingly operates with a hysteresis characteristic as shown in FIG. 33. The vertical axis in FIG. 33 indicates the potential V_(OUT) at the output terminal OUT. The horizontal axis indicates the potential at the input terminal IN. The output voltage switches between zero volts and about 1.5 volts. The switching point occurs at input potentials of about 0.35 and 0.45 volts: at 0.45 volts when the input potential is rising, and at 0.35 volts when the input potential is falling.

This Schmitt trigger has the advantage of a low fabrication cost, because it uses only enhancement-mode transistors. It can also be designed for low power dissipation, as described next.

In the Schmitt trigger of FIG. 31, when the potential of the input terminal IN is V_(CC), P-MOSFET 162 is in the off-state, so current flow between the input/output terminals D and S in the negative-resistance circuit 160 is cut off. When the input terminal IN is at ground potential, this current flow is not cut off, but it can be reduced by coupling the substrate potential of P-MOSFET 142 in the negative-resistance circuit 160 to node X, for example, so that node X operates near |V_(TP) |.

Bias current will still flow through P-MOSFETs 142 and 144 in the negative-resistance circuit 160, but since these P-MOSFETs 142 and 144 do not directly drive the input/output terminals, they do not need a high current-handling capability. The bias current flow can accordingly be reduced by designing P-MOSFETs 142 and 144 to have a high on-state resistance.

Depletion-mode MOS transistors can also be employed in FIG. 29, 30, or 31 to obtain characteristics not found in the prior art.

Modifications

This invention is not restricted to the above embodiments, but allows various modifications such as, for example, the following.

Circuits with similar effects are obtained if N-MOSFET is replaced by P-MOSFET, P-MOSFET by N-MOSFET, V_(CC) by ground, and ground by V_(CC) in any of the preceding embodiments.

Current consumption in the circuits of FIGS. 2 to 17, FIGS. 20 and 21, and FIG. 31 can be reduced by inserting switching transistors or other switching means to cut off current flow in the disabled state, as shown in FIGS. 19, 22, 23, 29, and 30. In FIGS. 2 to 22, another possibility is to switch off the load circuit in the disabled state, and provide other means for biasing the input terminals or their connected data lines in this state.

Those skilled in the art will recognize that further modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as claimed below. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of sensing a current signal received at an input terminal and producing a voltage signal at an output terminal, comprising the steps of:supplying a first fixed potential through a load circuit to said input terminal, thereby producing an input potential at said input terminal responsive to current flow through said load circuit; supplying a second fixed potential through a resistance circuit to said output terminal, thereby producing a potential at said output terminal responsive to current flow through said resistance circuit; using said input potential to control a gate of a first field-effect transistor coupled between said input terminal and said output terminal; and wherein said load circuit has a second field-effect transistor with a source for receiving said first fixed potential, a gate, and a drain coupled to said input terminal, and comprising the further steps of:shifting said input potential to produce a shifted potential; and applying said shifted potential to the gate of said second field-effect transistor.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of shifting said input potential comprises the further step of amplifying said input potential.
 3. A method of sensing a difference in current signals received at a first input terminal and a second input terminal and generating differential voltage output signals at a first output terminal and a second output terminal, comprising the steps of:supplying a first fixed potential through a first load circuit to said first input terminal, thereby producing a first input potential at said first input terminal responsive to current flow through said first load circuit; supplying said first fixed potential through a second load circuit to said second input terminal, thereby producing a second input potential at said second input terminal responsive to current flow through said second load circuit; supplying a second fixed potential through a first resistance circuit to said first output terminal, thereby producing a potential at said first output terminal responsive to current flow through said first resistance circuit; supplying said second fixed potential through a second resistance circuit to said second output terminal, thereby producing a potential at said second output terminal responsive to current flow through said second resistance circuit; using said second input potential to control a gate of a first depletion-mode field-effect transistor coupled between said first input terminal and said first output terminal; and using said first input potential to control a gate of a second depletion-mode field-effect transistor coupled between said second input terminal and said second output terminal.
 4. The method of claim 3, comprising the further step of switching off supply of said second fixed potential to said first resistance circuit and said second resistance circuit when sensing is not required.
 5. The method of claim 3, comprising the further step of decoupling said first depletion-mode field-effect transistor from said first output terminal and said second depletion-mode field-effect transistor from said second output terminal when sensing is not required.
 6. A method of sensing a difference in current signals received at a first input terminal and a second input terminal and generating differential voltage output signals at a first output terminal and a second output terminal, comprising the steps of:supplying a first fixed potential through a first load circuit to said first input terminal, thereby producing a first input potential at said first input terminal responsive to current flow through said first load circuit; supplying said first fixed potential through a second load circuit to said second input terminal, thereby producing a second input potential at said second input terminal responsive to current flow through said second load circuit; supplying a second fixed potential through a first resistance circuit to said first output terminal, thereby producing a potential at said first output terminal responsive to current flow through said first resistance circuit; supplying said second fixed potential through a second resistance circuit to said second output terminal, thereby producing a potential at said second output terminal responsive to current flow through said second resistance circuit; using said second input potential to control conductance of a first negative-resistance circuit coupled between said first input terminal and said first output terminal; and using said first input potential to control conductance of a second negative-resistance circuit coupled between said second input terminal and said second output terminal.
 7. The method of claim 6, comprising the further step of switching off supply of said second fixed potential to said first resistance circuit and said second resistance circuit when sensing is not required.
 8. The method of claim 6, comprising the further step of decoupling said first negative-resistance circuit from said first output terminal and said second negative-resistance circuit from said second output terminal when sensing is not required.
 9. The method of claim 6, whereinsaid first load circuit has a first enhancement-mode field-effect transistor with a source for receiving said first fixed potential, a gate, and a drain coupled to said first input terminal, and said second load circuit has a second enhancement-mode field-effect transistor with a source for receiving said first fixed potential, a gate, and a drain coupled to said second input terminal, comprising the further steps of:shifting said first input potential to produce a first shifted potential; applying said first shifted potential to the gate of said first enhancement-mode field-effect transistor; shifting said second input potential to produce a second shifted potential; and applying said second shifted potential to the gate of said second enhancement-mode field-effect transistor.
 10. The method of claim 9, wherein:the step of shifting said first input potential comprises the further step of amplifying said first input potential; and the step of shifting said second input potential comprises the further step of amplifying said second input potential.
 11. The method of claim 10, wherein:the steps of shifting and amplifying said first input potential are carried out by said second negative-resistance circuit; and the steps of shifting and amplifying said second input potential are carried out by said first negative-resistance circuit.
 12. A sense circuit for sensing a current signal received at an input terminal and generating a voltage signal at an output terminal, comprising:a load circuit coupled between said input terminal and a first fixed potential, for producing an input potential at said input terminal responsive to current flow through said load circuit; a first resistance circuit coupled between said output terminal and a second fixed potential, for producing a potential at said output terminal responsive to current flow through said first resistance circuit; a first field-effect transistor having a source coupled to said input terminal, a gate, and a drain coupled to said output terminal; and an amplifier circuit having an input node coupled to said input terminal and a first output node coupled to the gate of said first field-effect transistor, for inverting and amplifying said input potential, thereby producing a potential at said first output node; and wherein said amplifier circuit comprises:a negative-resistance circuit coupled to provide a variable negative resistance between said first fixed potential and said first output node responsive to the input potential received from said input terminal at said input node; and a second resistance circuit coupled between said first output node and said second fixed potential, and wherein said negative-resistance circuit comprises:a first input/output terminal; a second input/output terminal; a control terminal; an internal node; a first field-effect transistor of a first channel type, with a source coupled to said first input/output terminal, a gate coupled to said internal node, and a drain coupled to said second input/output terminal; a second field-effect transistor of a second channel type, with a source coupled to said internal node, a gate coupled to said control terminal, and a drain coupled to a first fixed potential; and a third field-effect transistor of said second channel type, with a source coupled to a second fixed potential, a gate coupled to said second input/output terminal, and a drain coupled to said internal node; and wherein said first input/output terminal is coupled to receive said first fixed potential, said second input/output terminal is coupled to said first output node, and said control terminal is coupled to said input node.
 13. A sense circuit for sensing a current signal received at an input terminal and generating a voltage signal at an output terminal, comprising:a load circuit coupled between said input terminal and a first fixed potential, for producing an input potential at said input terminal responsive to current flow through said load circuit; a first resistance circuit coupled between said output terminal and a second fixed potential, for producing a potential at said output terminal responsive to current flow through said first resistance circuit; a first field-effect transistor having a source coupled to said input terminal, a gate, and a drain coupled to said output terminal; and an amplifier circuit having an input node coupled to said input terminal and a first output node coupled to the gate of said first field-effect transistor, for inverting and amplifying said input potential, thereby producing a potential at said first output node; wherein said load circuit comprises a second field-effect transistor having a source coupled to receive said first fixed potential, a gate, and a drain coupled to said input terminal; and wherein said load circuit also comprises a level shifter coupled between said input terminal and the gate of said second field-effect transistor, for shifting said input potential, thereby controlling said second field-effect transistor.
 14. A sense circuit for sensing a current signal received at an input terminal and generating a voltage signal at an output terminal, comprising:a load circuit coupled between said input terminal and a first fixed potential, for producing an input potential at said input terminal responsive to current flow through said load circuit; a first resistance circuit coupled between said output terminal and a second fixed potential, for producing a potential at said output terminal responsive to current flow through said first resistance circuit; a first field-effect transistor having a source coupled to said input terminal, a gate, and a drain coupled to said output terminal; and an amplifier circuit having an input node coupled to said input terminal and a first output node coupled to the gate of said first field-effect transistor, for inverting and amplifying said input potential, thereby producing a potential at said first output node; wherein said load circuit comprises a second field-effect transistor having a source coupled to receive said first fixed potential, a gate, and a drain coupled to said input terminal; and wherein said amplifier circuit has a second output node coupled to the gate of said second field-effect transistor, and amplifies and shifts said input potential, thereby producing a potential at said second output node.
 15. The circuit of claim 14, wherein said amplifier circuit comprises:a depletion-mode field-effect transistor with a source coupled to received said first fixed potential, a gate coupled to said input node, and a drain coupled to said first output node; a third field-effect transistor with a source coupled to said second output node, a gate coupled to said input node, and a drain coupled to receive said first fixed potential; and a current mirror coupled to allow a current flow between the source of said third field-effect transistor and said second fixed potential, responsive to a current flow between the drain of said depletion-mode field-effect transistor and said second fixed potential.
 16. The circuit of claim 14, wherein said amplifier circuit comprises:a negative-resistance circuit coupled to provide a variable negative resistance between said first fixed potential and said first output node responsive to the input potential received at said input node, and to amplify and shift said input potential, thereby producing a potential at said second output node; and a second resistance circuit coupled between said first output node and said second fixed potential.
 17. The circuit of claim 16, wherein said negative-resistance circuit comprises:a first input/output terminal; a second input/output terminal; a control terminal; an internal node; a first field-effect transistor of a first channel type, with a source coupled to said first input/output terminal, a gate coupled to said internal node, and a drain coupled to said second input/output terminal; a second field-effect transistor of a second channel type, with a source coupled to said internal node, a gate coupled to said control terminal, and a drain coupled to a first fixed potential; and a third field-effect transistor of said second channel type, with a source coupled to a second fixed potential, a gate coupled to said second input/output terminal, and a drain coupled to said internal node, and further comprising an output terminal coupled to said internal node; and wherein said first input/output terminal is coupled to said first fixed potential, said second input/output terminal is coupled to said first output node, said control terminal is coupled to said input node, and said output terminal is coupled to said second output node.
 18. A sense circuit for sensing a difference in current signals received at a first input terminal and a second input terminal and generating differential voltage output signals at a first output terminal and a second output terminal, comprising:a first depletion-mode field-effect transistor having a source coupled to said first input terminal, a gate coupled to said second input terminal, and a drain coupled to said first output terminal; a second depletion-mode field-effect transistor having a source coupled to said second input terminal, a gate coupled to said first input terminal, and a drain coupled to said second output terminal; a first resistance circuit coupled between said first output terminal and a fixed potential; and a second resistance circuit coupled between said second output terminal and said fixed potential.
 19. The circuit of claim 18, further comprising:a first switch coupled between the drain of said first depletion-mode field-effect transistor and said first output terminal; and a second switch coupled between the drain of said second depletion-mode field-effect transistor and said second output terminal.
 20. The circuit of claim 19, wherein said first switch and said second switch comprise enhancement-mode field-effect transistors.
 21. A sense circuit for sensing a difference in current signals received at a first input terminal and a second input terminal, which are biased near a first fixed potential, and generating differential voltage output signals at a first output terminal and a second output terminal, comprising:a first negative-resistance circuit coupled to provide a variable negative resistance between said first input terminal and said first output terminal, responsive to a potential of said second input terminal; a second negative-resistance circuit coupled to provide a variable negative resistance between said second input terminal and said second output terminal, responsive to a potential of said first input terminal; a first resistance circuit coupled between said first output terminal and a second fixed potential; and a second resistance circuit coupled between said second output terminal and said second fixed potential.
 22. The circuit of claim 21, wherein said first negative-resistance circuit and said second negative-resistance circuit each comprise:a first input/output terminal; a second input/output terminal; a control terminal; an internal node; a first field-effect transistor of a first channel type, with a source coupled to said first input/output terminal, a gate coupled to said internal node, and a drain coupled to said second input/output terminal; a second field-effect transistor of a second channel type, with a source coupled to said internal node, a gate coupled to said control terminal, and a drain coupled to a first fixed potential; and a third field-effect transistor of said second channel type, with a source coupled to a second fixed potential, a gate coupled to said second input/output terminal, and a drain coupled to said internal node; and wherein:said first negative-resistance circuit has its first input/output terminal coupled to said first input terminal, its second input/output terminal coupled to said first output terminal, and its control terminal coupled to said second input terminal; and said second negative-resistance circuit has its first input/output terminal coupled to said second input terminal, its second input/output terminal coupled to said second output terminal, and its control terminal coupled to said first input terminal.
 23. The circuit of claim 21, further comprising:a first switch coupled between said first negative-resistance circuit and said first output terminal; and a second switch coupled between said second negative-resistance circuit and said second output terminal.
 24. The circuit of claim 23, wherein said first switch and said second switch comprise enhancement-mode field-effect transistors.
 25. The circuit of claim 21, further comprising:a first load transistor having a source coupled to receive said first fixed potential, a gate coupled to said second negative-resistance circuit, and a drain coupled to said first input terminal; and a second load transistor having a source coupled to receive said first fixed potential, a gate coupled to said first negative-resistance circuit, and a drain coupled to said second input terminal; wherein said first negative-resistance circuit amplifies and shifts the potential of said second input terminal, thereby controlling the gate of said second load transistor; and said second negative-resistance circuit amplifies and shifts the potential of said first input terminal, thereby controlling the gate of said first load transistor.
 26. The circuit of claim 25, wherein said first load transistor and said second load transistor are enhancement-mode MOSFETs.
 27. The circuit of claim 25, wherein said first negative-resistance circuit and said second negative-resistance circuit each comprise:a first input/output terminal; a second input/output terminal; a control terminal; an internal node; a first field-effect transistor of a first channel type, with a source coupled to said first input/output terminal, a gate coupled to said internal node, and a drain coupled to said second input/output terminal; a second field-effect transistor of a second channel type, with a source coupled to said internal node, a gate coupled to said control terminal, and a drain coupled to a first fixed potential; and a third field-effect transistor of said second channel type, with a source coupled to a second fixed potential, a gate coupled to said second input/output terminal, and a drain coupled to said internal node, and further comprising an output terminal coupled to said internal node; and wherein:said first negative-resistance circuit has its first input/output terminal coupled to said first input terminal, its second input/output terminal coupled to said first output terminal, and its control terminal coupled to said second input terminal, and its output terminal coupled to the gate of said second load transistor; and said second negative-resistance circuit has its first input/output terminal coupled to said second input terminal, its second input/output terminal coupled to said second output terminal, its control terminal coupled to said first input terminal, and its output terminal coupled to the gate of said first load transistor. 